Dream Academy News | Academy Awarded $2.3 million
Tuesday September 28, 2010
COLUMBIA, MD Sept. 21 -- The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) has awarded U.S. Dream Academy with a $2.3 million multi-state mentoring grant. The grant, administered by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), is given to leading national organizations to strengthen, grow and implement mentoring activities for youth in high risk communities.
"We are thrilled about the opportunity to enhance our mentor programs around the country in high-risk neighborhoods and keep young people engaged daily," said U.S. Dream Academy Executive Director C. Diane Wallace Booker. "Providing kids a safe place after school and positive role models will help reduce incidents of juvenile crime during the most dangerous time of the day for young people – the hours after-school between 3 – 6pm. “
Funding from the grant will be distributed to U.S. Dream Academy’s afterschool and mentoring programs in 10 cities: Baltimore, East Orange, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Memphis, Orlando, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City and Washington, DC. Approximately $230,000 will be utilized at each site to hire full-time staff for mentor recruitment, screening and supervision, training, and incorporate a holistic approach using the village concept to engage mentors, students and their caregivers. “We anticipate that these enhancements will positively impact the life of a child by expanding the network of caring, loving adults in their lives to promote positive youth development,” said Wallace Booker.
The mentoring grant:
OJJDP FY 2010 Multi-State Mentoring Initiative: three-years, $2.3 million to enhance or expand current mentoring initiatives to reach more youths and their families who are at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.
"These awards are part of an ongoing commitment by the Department of Justice to give young people an opportunity to participate in activities that will enrich their lives," said Laurie O. Robinson, OJP's Assistant Attorney General in an announcement released by the office on September 15. "Through these organizations, youth are provided programs that help keep them in school, out of trouble, and most importantly, put them in direct contact with caring adults who provide crucial support and guidance."
U.S. Dream Academy is one of two nonprofit organizations in Maryland that received grants to support mentoring initiatives from OJP to support children living in high risk communities. The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation was the other. “Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see,” said Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings in congratulating the two organizations. “I am pleased to see that, as part of the Recovery Act working to rebuild our economy; such a priority has been given to supporting these living messages. These two organizations do tremendous work, ensuring that our children are given mentors who help provide the life skills they need to survive, and to thrive
About OJJDP
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) led by Assistant Attorney General Laurie O. Robinson. OJP provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. More information about OJP can be found at http://www.ojp.gov.